Science Courses

MIDDLE SCHOOL the college school

Science Middle School Science exploratory classes extend the learning of science beyond the content of our theme classes. These courses allow students to choose scientific disciplines to pursue at greater depth. Many courses also serve to prepare students for the Eighth Grade Field Ecology theme.

Physics

This class is an introduction to physics. The focus of this class will be on the conceptual aspects of physics as opposed to the math that is involved. Students will explore the nature of our physical environment with a focus placed on everyday phenomena and applications to modern life. Special emphasis will be placed on developing laboratory and problem-solving skills. A study of the basic concepts of physics will include motion, force, momentum, rotation, work, energy, gravity, Newton’s Laws and conservation laws through hands-on experimentation.

Problem Solving

Do you enjoy word problems? Logic puzzles? Math games? Students in this class will learn and practice a variety of problem solving strategies, including making a table, using the process of elimination, and working backwards to solve a variety of puzzles and problems. This class emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Biology from Cells to Systems

Come along for a journey to discover, learn and understand more about the inspiring living things our beautiful natural environment has to offer. In Biology from Cells to Systems, students will investigate biological processes at the organismal and ecological level. Special emphasis will be placed on exploring the characteristics of life, how cellular structure and function are interrelated, how cells work together to form tissues, organs, and organ systems and how plants and animals utilize cellular systems to gather and synthesize information in order to maintain homeostasis. Laboratory exercises will include dissection of preserved animal specimens and observation of anatomy and physiology. Chemistry

In this class students will be introduced to many foundational chemistry concepts. Including but not limited to the periodic table, atoms and molecules, solutions and mixtures, bonding, chemical reactions, and acid/base chemistry. Hands-on experimentation will be a key component of this class. Laboratory procedures and safety will be emphasized.

The Scientific Process

Science is not just a body of knowledge, it is a process, a way of thinking. In this class, we will take a scientific approach to answer questions about the natural world. This is a hands-on class that focuses on asking questions, making observations, and designing and conducting reliable, repeatable experiments. In addition to conducting their experiments, students will learn to collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from their data. In this class, students will have the opportunity to investigate a wide variety of both assigned and chosen topics.

Missouri Conservation

Emphasizing nature’s intrinsic value, this class focuses on fish, wildlife, and natural resource conservation. We will address the need for human beings to be stewards for our environment through knowledge, awareness, advocacy, and skill development. Global and national conservation initiatives will be explored, but the emphasis of the class will be on local Missouri conservation efforts and practices. Students will explore the science and data collection behind conservation, the relations between human populations and resource depletion, as well as pollution and ecosystem disturbance. This class will combine field and classroom work as well as an optional service learning opportunity.

Genetics

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with genes and heredity. In this class, students will learn about DNA structure and function, Mendelian inheritance, and biotechnology. This hands-on class will provide students with opportunities to explore inheritance and why some traits are more common than others. Biology is a recommended prerequisite for this class but it is not required.

MIDDLE SCHOOL the college school

Computer Science

The Middle School Computer Science course is open to all students with any background in programming and related concepts. Students in Computer Science will work to establish, deepen and extend their understanding of computer science fundamentals. Using a combination of unplugged activities, graphical programming environments, and textual programming languages, students will increase their familiarity with concepts such as sequencing, variables, conditional statements, Boolean logic, and objects. Throughout the course the development process emphasizes problem solving, persistence, creativity, collaboration and communication.

Botany

Botany is the scientific study of plants and their relationship to the environment. Through hands-on investigations students will explore plant cell structure and function, photosynthesis, vascular and nonvascular plants, gymnosperms and angiosperms, plant identification, and plant genetics. Biology is a recommended prerequisite for this class but it is not required. Forensic Science

Famed Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said, “Whenever you have eluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Forensic science is an application of science that combines biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and earth science to aid police agencies in the enforcement of criminal and civil laws as part of the criminal justice system. Students will use scientific knowledge, process, and reasoning throughout this interdisciplinary class as they learn about fingerprinting, document and handwriting analysis, DNA, as well as various types of physical and trace evidence. Through labs and simulated crime scenes, we will model this investigative science. Primary focus will be on collecting, analyzing, evaluating, communicating evidentiary findings.